Common swift, Apus apus, migrates to Southern Africa during the Northern winters. Now is the time that they start arriving here (late October). In flight they appear all black, not showing the pale patch on secondaries and greater coverts as does the African black swift.

They are amazing birds that have dedicated "followers" of their breeding and migration patterns, especially in Europe.

As swifts go, this species is long-lived with records of birds attaining over 20 years. One of the most amazing this about this swift is that the fledgelings will stay on the wing for a full two years. Only when the reach sexual maturity will they again "land" to nest and breed!

If you want to learn more about these amazing birds, you should try this link.